Apparatus and methods for the selective removal of tissue using combinations of ultrasonic energy and cryogenic energy

Abstract

An ultrasonic apparatus and method is provided for the selective and targeted removal of unwanted tissues. The apparatus and methods may utilize combinations of ultrasonic and cryogenic energy for the selective removal tissue. The apparatus generates and delivers to the tissue cryogenic and ultrasonic energy either in combination or in sequence, provides resize ablation of unwanted tissue parts, and may be used on various body tissues including internal organs.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to the removal of tissue from a patient, and more particularly, to apparatus and methods using combinations of ultrasonic and cryogenic energy to remove tissue.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Human skin is the largest organ of the body and acts as an indicator reflecting various internal and external health related ailments. The skin protects the body from common physical, chemical, and microbiological invasion that humans are naturally exposed to in their everyday living environment.[0005]Skin disorders are generally defined as diseases affecting the skin. Skin disorders frequently affect multiple layers of skin. Some common skin disorders include wrinkles, scars, warts, and non-metastatic melanomas, basilomas, human papilloma viruses, and various pre-cancerous and cancerous skin growths. Some skin disorders are local growths in the skin caused by viral infections, which are t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is about an apparatus and methods for selectively ablating unwanted skin layers. The apparatus combines ultrasonic and cryogenic energy to destroy soft and hard tissues. The apparatus can be used for treatment of diseased tissues or unwanted tissue growths in humans and animals. The apparatus can be a handheld device with a proximate end and a distal end. The ultrasonic tip can be cooled using a cryogenic fluid and can be designed with various geometrical shapes to suit different procedures. The apparatus can be used for simultaneous or sequential ablation of tissue. The technical effects of the invention include improved ablation of unwanted skin layers with reduced risk of complications and improved outcomes."

Problems solved by technology

These methods frequently have the disadvantages of destroying surrounding healthy tissue, increasing infection rates, high rates of recurrence, and / or substantial pain or discomfort following the procedure.

Further, many existing methods are complicated and imprecise.

This lack of precision in targeting the unhealthy tissue can result in a failure to fully remove the necessary harmful tissue, and also can result in damage to the surrounding healthy skin tissue.

In addition, the treated tissue can become a point for introduction of infections or contaminants, because of the damage to or destruction of surrounding tissues.

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